A few days back, the New York Rangers decided to turn up the heat and toss their top prospect, Gabe Perreault, straight into the NHL fire. Fresh off his sophomore season at Boston College—literally less than 24 hours after his team’s NCAA quarterfinal loss—the 19-year-old put pen to paper on his first big-league contract. A three-year, $2.825 million deal? Not too shabby for a kid who was dressing for college hockey the day before. With a sweet salary cap hit and some juicy performance bonuses in the mix, Perreault was officially stepping into the big leagues.

But the real magic happened on April 2, when he made his highly anticipated debut against the Minnesota Wild. And this wasn’t just any rookie debut—Gabe Perreault made sure to make it extra special. During his first time on the ice in an NHL jersey, he was able to make a tribute to the man who made the way for him: his father, Yanic Perreault. From growing up watching his dad dominate the league to now skating in his own debut, it was a night drenched in history, family pride, and a whole lot of hockey magic.

The NHL took to X on April 2 to drop some serious nostalgia bombs, sharing a side-by-side of hockey history in the making. One shot? A throwback to Yanic Perreault, rocking that iconic #94 jersey back in his playing days. The other? His son, Gabe Perreault, stepping onto the ice for his big-league debut, repping the very same number. A full-circle, heart-melting, hockey-dad-dream kind of moment.

And honestly, does it get any more wholesome than this? The NHL nailed it with their caption, saying, “Like father, like son. Gabe Perreault is wearing the same #94 for the @NYRangers tonight that his dad Yanic donned for a large part of his NHL career!” Safe to say, this wasn’t just any jersey choice—this was a tribute stitched into that legendary #94.

With a legendary name like Yanic Perreault in the family, it’s no surprise that Gabe Perreault  chose to honor his father in his NHL debut. Yanic is a true face-off specialist who played 14 seasons and became one of the best players in controlling the dot. He holds the NHL record of the highest face-off winning percentage at 62.86% and remained unbeaten even after the season 2023-24. Off the ice, he is an active member of the community where he is coaching the Chicago Mission 2005 youth team and even assists the Blackhawks to improve their skills at the dot.

A legacy this rich needed a bow, and Gabe Perreault made sure to bow it out in style! And guess what? Gabe spilled the reason behind his choice, proving that his debut wasn’t just about stepping into the NHL but about carrying forward his father’s iconic legacy. From one Perreault to another, the story continues, and honestly, it doesn’t get more wholesome than this!

Gabe Perreault reveals the reason behind the jersey!

Before the puck even dropped, everyone knew Gabe Perreault would be rocking that iconic #94 for the Rangers in his NHL debut. And as it turns out, Yanic himself might have planted the idea in Gabe’s mind. “Growing up, I’ve always had a number with a 4 in it,” Gabe shared. “When I talked to my Dad, I think he suggested it a little bit, so definitely because of him a little bit.” Now, that’s what you call a full-circle moment!

Yanic’s NHL journey spanned 14 seasons, taking him through the rinks of the Kings, Maple Leafs, Canadiens, Predators, Blackhawks, and Coyotes. He was well aware of the steps that it required to get to the big league and now his son was following the same path. For Gabe Perreault, there was no better way to show gratitude than by carrying his father’s number forward. “I’ll be excited,” he said before the game. “Obviously, a little bit nervous. But I know that’s part of it. That’s expected, but I’d be super grateful and really thankful for everyone that’s helped me get to this point.” And so, the setting was laid for a debut that would not be easily forgotten!

As for the game? Oh, it was a thriller! Vincent Trocheck wasted no time sealing the deal, scoring just 24 seconds into overtime to give the Rangers a 5-4 win over the Wild at Madison Square Garden. Artemi Panarin had a goal and two assists and Igor Shesterkin saved 20 shots on goal. Still, the Wild fought hard and scored goals from Marcus Johansson, Brock Faber, and Gustav Nyquist, but that was not enough to overpower the Blueshirts. And for Gabe Perreault? It was a debut wrapped in history, heart, and one unforgettable win!